hbrote

We once stayed in Civitavecchia prior to our cruise and the hotel had a shuttle for the Airport if you wished. It was $100E per couple and was very efficient, as they also provided transport to the port at no extra cost. The Hotel we stayed at was Hotel Borgo del Mare. Great rooms and a wonderful restaurant and very quiet.

In Santorini, I myself, would take a ship tour. This way you will be guaranteed an early tender and won't have to wait for the long lines.

Here is a great guide for Civitavecchia http://www.civitavecchia.net/

I just purched the upgrade for an upcoming cruise and it was $11.80 per day

We have done Pompeii twice without a guide but did use "Rick Steves" audio with map as the guide. No problems at all and you can down load both from his web site. We did find that two hours at Pompeii would not let us see everything and that is the reason we returned. When you consider you are walking on streets that where covered in 79AD is impressive. We have also done Herculaneum which is impressive but Pompeii gets our vote. Enjoy your trip with what ever method you chose.

I am having the same problem and I have tried twice as of now. I really don't like Celebrity's site as it seems to have problems very frequently.

That was in our newspaper last week.

Yea -- we will stay the same -- $100 -- but who knows for how long???

I just renewed ours and the fee is $110. Service was fast though, seventeen days from my mailbox to return. Not bad for the government.

I have found a wonderful restaurant int Trastevere section of Rome. Not very far from the Colosseum but across the river with wonderful food and staff. Here is a link https://www.tripadvisor.com/Restaurant_Review-g187791-d2200766-Reviews-Impiccetta-Rome_Lazio.html

I agree with Lady Arwen and I have done the tour with Barcelona Day tour and the Hop on Hop off bus. There are times when the Hop On Hop Off buses are crowed and you will be unable to board. Barcelona Day tours are much better especially if you want to see the Park Güell which is not to be missed. We did the tour that included Montserrat and we where there to see the Boys Choir perform. Just a wonderful excursion.

I carry mine in a card wallet that I got on a Celebrity Cruse. It's getting a little worn so I booked another Celebrity cruise ;p

Thank you all for your replies and info. Right now, we've decided to book a shared tour. My husband and I decided that we just didn't want to deal with the timetable on our first trip to Rome.

In my opinion this is the best way to see Rome from a cruise. They will get you tickets for attractions and provide great information via the driver. I would suggest a guide for the Vatican.

We walk to the People Mover, just outside of the port. Very short ride to Piazzale Roma.

We took ship tour and I am very happy we did. We started from nice winery followed by Oia ,followed by Fira. Lots of free time . No way avoid crowds there, its one street after all :rolleyes: . Plus with ship tour you are on first tender out .

I second this approach. You'll be on an early tender with waiting in a long line to depart. Makes the day much easier and relaxing. :D

Thanks for the great pictures of the Caribbean Princess. We were aboard in October for a 10 day to the canal and as we walked by the entrance for the suites, and wondered what they were like. Thanks again, your review is appreciated.

Why not try VRBO an rent an apartment. They are much more reasonable than a hotel but it is getting late to book for August. We booked our last August.

We did the Portofino, Santa Margherita and Rapallo , small Group tour last year. Its was very good as we had a group of about twenty five and we moved around pretty easily. The tour was a bit more relaxed vs a sixty passenger bus. Beautiful towns with Rapallo being our favorite. I don't think you would regret taking either one. I know that's not much help but I am sure each one would show you some beautiful towns.

We used this in October and it was fantastic. Didn't see our luggage again till we were back in Atlanta.

Don't be afraid of checking with VRBO as you might get a better deal with the number of folks traveling. We booked an apartment in Venice for a little over E 1100 for five nights and will accommodate 6 couples.

We have used Rome Cabs and found them very good and the least expensive. You can find them with a quick search......

We have been to the Flamenco / Dinner back in 2015 and found it to be very good. The food was fine and the Flamenco was very interesting. After dinner you will be shown into the performance room and I will say things get a little tight as far as seating goes. The only other draw back was it was a little loud.

On our first trip to Venice to pick up a cruise we arrived at the airport at 9:30AM. We took the Blue line to the port and that ride was an hour and half. We arrived at check in at noon and it was a complete zoo as there were four ships boarding. We managed to board at 03.30PM. I have not boarded a ship in Venice since (2015), perhaps the check in procedures are better now.

Why not try a Celebrity transfer? They will get you to the airport in time for your flight especially since you booked with "Choice Air". Just a thought.

Bill,

We love Venice and will be spending five days this year. One of the most reasonable restaurants, with very good food, and on the Grand Canal is "Trattoria Povoledo". It is located close to the train station and an easy walk from the people mover in Venice. I can guarantee we will be visiting them at least twice while in Venice. Here is a link to tripadvisor https://www.tripadvisor.com/Restaurant_Review-g187870-d1159180-Reviews-Trattoria_Povoledo-Venice_Veneto.html

I must suggest Rome in Limo. They offer excellent tours of Rome, the drivers speak excellent English and the are very knowledgeable. Check out their website and perhaps you "Roll Call" to perhaps share a tour already established or book and share one. We have used them over eight times now and will be using them again this year.

I think it will and, therefore, have no plans to sail Horizon. Not saying I never will, but I didn’t really like Vista with the exception of Havana so I can’t see paying the outrageous prices that they want. Yes it was easy to find a spot back there and that’s what I liked about it. By adding that many more cabins at double occupancy IMHO will detract from the experience.

I agree 100% on your take of the Vista. We had a Havana Suite and it was wonderful during the day. Comfortable and welcoming, as the rest of the ship was people on top of people. The Havana section is premium in cost and to water it down with more cabins would negate the extra cost involved.